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District Newsletter - April 16th, 2025
IN THIS NEWSLETTER: Highlights: Meet Our Speech and Language Pathologist Announcements: Art Walk Information We Are Hiring! Reminders: Community Support Helpful Links & How To's IMPORTANT DATES: April 28: Board Meeting May 2: Jazz Cafe Annual Dinner/Auction May 3: Art Walk Student Showcase May 12: Board Meeting May 21: Celebration of Student Learning May 22: Half Day Early Release May 23: No School May 26: No School/Memorial Day June 3: Swiftwater Graduation June 7: CERHS Graduation June 13: Early Release/Last Day of School Highlights Meet Our Speech and Language Pathologist April is National Autism Awareness Month, a time to celebrate neurodiversity and promote understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for individuals with autism. Our district is deeply committed to fostering a culture where all students feel seen, supported, and valued. During this month—and throughout the year—we remain dedicated to creating safe, inclusive, and welcoming learning environments where every student can thrive. This month, we’re proud to recognize Dr. Bethany Davis, our district Speech and Language Pathologist. In 2020, Dr. Davis earned her doctorate in Speech Language Pathology and Communication, and she recently added Autism Certification to her impressive credentials. She collaborates closely with our Early Learning and Student Support teams and has led a year-long, twice-monthly training series for paraeducators focused on supporting neurodivergent students. We are incredibly grateful for Dr. Davis’s expertise and the meaningful impact she makes across our schools. Her work continues to strengthen our commitment to inclusive practices for all students, staff, and families. Announcements Roslyn Art Walk Student Showcase When: Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 Time: 11:00am - 3:00pm Music Performances: 12:30pm Where: Downtown Roslyn Stroll local businesses and enjoy art of multiple mediums created by our talented students! There will be Art Stations and musical performances by our 3rd-5th grade elementary students. Art and music programs in our schools are made possible thanks to the support of the Education Foundation for Cle Elum-Roslyn. Families can help keep these opportunities thriving by making a donation—every contribution makes a difference! Click Here To Learn More! We're Hiring! We have multiple teaching opportunities open right now for the 25-26 school year. Join our team and make a a difference in the lives of students! Know someone who would be a great fit? Share this post! 7-12 Science Teacher 7-12 Math/Science Teacher 6-12 Band/Choir Teacher 7-12 ASL Teacher 7-12 Spanish Teacher Career Information Specialist CTE Director & Dean of Students Questions? Contact Sara Sahlinger at sahlingersa@cersd.org. Apply Here! Upcoming Board Meeting When: Monday, April 28th Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm Where: Walter Strom Middle School Library Topic of Discussion: Business Meeting Reminders Community Support C.O.A.L. Weekend Food Support If you would like to participate in the weekend nutrition program, please click this link to fill out the google form. For any questions, please contact our C.O.A.L. Weekend Food Coordinator, Margo McLeod, at mcleodm@cersd.org. Community Care Closet The care closet is open to all community members in need. Please Call, Email or message on Parent Square to let us know what your student/family needs and we can arrange for items (aside from cleaning supplies) to be sent home with students. For any questions or interest in donating, please contact: Amy Dorhman, dorhmana@cersd.org, or Margo McLeod, mcleodm@cersd.org. Helpful Links & How To's How to access my family Skyward Account How to access the Online Store How to find Bus Routes SMARTtag Inclement Weather FAQ Health & Safety Topics FAQ for Immigrant Families Cle Elum-Roslyn School District 4244 Bullfrog Road Cle Elum, WA 98922 (509) 852 - 4819 District Links: CERSD Website School Board Webpage District Calendar
Thursday, Apr 17 2025
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Cle Elum-Roslyn School District Budget Update
Cle Elum-Roslyn School District Budget Update Dear Cle Elum-Roslyn School Community, We want to address the significant budget challenges facing our district—issues that school districts across Washington state are also experiencing. According to a recent Seattle Times article regarding Washington school budget challenges and analysis, 191 out of 295 school district budgets are operating in deficit. Transparency is our priority, and we want to share the factors contributing to this situation and the steps we are taking to ensure student success. To address our declining general reserve (our district’s savings account), we are making reductions in spending, contract services, and "right-sizing" our staffing ratios. Recently, our board passed a resolution to adjust our budget for the remainder of the year to ensure a balanced budget. Statewide Challenges Impacting School Budgets Public schools in Washington have faced financial pressures for the past five years. Several key factors have contributed to the current budget shortfalls, including: Expiration of Federal Pandemic Relief Funds – One-time COVID relief funding has ended, leaving budget gaps. Competitive Wages – Over the past eight years, our district has increased wages to be competitive in the region. Rising Costs & Inflation – The increasing costs of supplies, utilities, contracted services (vision, speech, mental health, OT/PT etc.), and employee benefits exceed state funding adjustments. State Levy Limits – Restrictions on local levies prevent us from supplementing state funding at the same levels as some comparable districts. Increased Special Education Costs – Mandated, yet often unfunded, special education services continue to strain the general budget. State Investments in Schools – Since the McCleary Decision (a 2012 lawsuit in which the state was found to be underfunding public education), state investment in public schools has actually declined. While McCleary funding was implemented in 2018, it was a one-time adjustment, and today, education funding accounts for less than 50% of the state budget and continues to decline annually. Limited Legislative Support – The state's current $15 billion budget shortfall has made significant increases in K-12 education funding unlikely this legislative session. These combined factors have created a "funding cliff" that requires difficult decisions. Our general fund balance is currently at 4.0%, and without action, it will continue to decline, impacting our ability to cover essential employee and emergency costs. It is important to note that some district funds—such as those for buses or facility improvements—are designated for specific purposes and cannot be used to offset operational shortfalls. The majority of our budget, including salaries and benefits, comes from the general fund. Our Commitment to Students Despite these financial challenges, we remain committed to providing a high-quality education. We are confident in our ability to stabilize our general fund while upholding our core values. Our guiding principles for budget reductions include: Prioritizing central office and leadership reductions first before impacting classrooms. See new Organizational Chart of duties. Maintaining reasonable student-teacher ratios to support quality instruction. Balancing the budget across all categories to prevent overspending in any single area. Improving staffing efficiencies by aligning resources with enrollment needs and utilizing attrition (resignations and retirements) where possible. Moving to more efficient staffing between our 7-12 schools and programs. Protecting programs that support student success, particularly those that benefit our most vulnerable students. Focusing on student retention and attraction strategies, including expanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, dual credit options, virtual learning opportunities, and services for homeschool families. Strengthening partnerships with local businesses and organizations to support student learning through internships, apprenticeships, and financial support. Seeking grants aligned with district goals, especially in technology, special education, and career readiness, to offset expenditures. Planned Budget Adjustments To build financial stability, we must reduce approximately $500,000 from our $18 million budget. Our goal is to achieve a minimum general fund reserve of 8%, with an ideal target of 12%. Planned reductions include: Reducing central office leadership positions Reducing director positions in technology and maintenance operations/custodial services. Reducing two central office administrative assistant positions. Reducing one district administrator position. Limiting travel and out-of-district conferences where possible. Cutting materials and operational costs where possible. Postponing curriculum adoption for the 2024-25 school year. Freezing discretionary spending districtwide. Optimizing staffing efficiencies through retirements, resignations, reassignments, improved sharing of staff 7-12, and student schedule adjustments. Scaling back non-essential paraprofessional roles not fully funded by the state. Exploring revenue-generating opportunities through partnerships, co-ops, and grants. Understanding School District Funding To clarify how school district finances work, here’s a breakdown of the different types of funds we receive and how they impact budget decisions: General Fund (Basic Education) – The primary operating fund covering staff salaries, benefits, instructional materials, and daily operations. Our declining reserve is directly tied to this fund. Capital Projects Fund – Used exclusively for school construction, major renovations, and facility improvements (cannot be used for staffing or instructional costs). Debt Service Fund – Used to pay off bonds for school construction and major projects (not for salaries or operational costs). Transportation Vehicle Fund – Designated for purchasing and maintaining buses (not for employee salaries). Associated Student Body (ASB) Fund – Managed by students for extracurricular activities and athletics. Grants & Special Program Funds – Restricted to specific programs such as Title I, Special Education, or Career and Technical Education (CTE). Why This Matters for Our Budget Challenges We understand that staff and community members may wonder why they see new buses, computers, or facility improvements while we discuss budget reductions. The key reason is funding restrictions—many of the dollars we receive cannot be used for basic education expenses like teacher salaries, benefits, or general operational costs. Since the majority of our budget comes from the general fund, reductions must be made in that category, as other funding sources cannot legally cover these gaps. Moving Forward We understand that these budget adjustments may raise concerns, and we are committed to maintaining open communication throughout this process. Our priority is to ensure financial stability while continuing to provide a strong educational experience for all students. We recognize that this is an anxious time for our staff, and we are working diligently to minimize impacts where possible. We appreciate your support, engagement, and partnership as we navigate these financial challenges together. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out at belcherj@cersd.org. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our schools and students. All my best, John Belcher Superintendent Cle Elum-Roslyn School District
Tuesday, Apr 01 2025
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Wellness Night: "Online Safety and Security" - March...
Wellness Night Online Safety and Security with Kittitas County Sheriff's Department March 31, 2025 Dear Cle Elum-Roslyn School Community, Please join us next week on Monday, March 31st, for an important Wellness Night presentation in collaboration with the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office. Corporal Matt Martin will be presenting to us about Online Safety and Security. CERSD Wellness Nights include free dinner starting at 5pm with the presentation between 5:30pm-6:30pm. This event is open to parents, families and the community. Free childcare will be available for children ages 4 years and older for those who are interested. Please register to let us know you are coming by clicking the following link: https://forms.gle/QVUGngTh2TeACMne8 For more information on our Wellness Night series, please contact Jessica Cranefield with the Cascade Prevention Coalition at jessica.cranefield@esd105.org. Thank you and we hope to see you all on March 31st in the Middle School Commons from 5:00pm - 6:30pm. - Cle Elum-Roslyn School District Cle Elum-Roslyn School District 4244 Bullfrog Road Cle Elum, WA 98922 (509) 852 - 4819 Quick Links: CERSD Website School Board Webpage District Calendar
Thursday, Mar 27 2025
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District Newsletter - March 26th, 2025
IN THIS NEWSLETTER: Highlights: National Board Certified Teachers Leading the Way: CERSD Showcases MTSS for SEL at ESD 105 WSMS Prevention Club CERHS Career & Technical Education (CTE) Improving Instruction Announcements: Spring Break Camp: Boys & Girls Club Wellness Night: Online Safety & Security We Are Hiring! Upcoming Board Meeting Reminders: Community Support Helpful Links & How To's IMPORTANT DATES: March 31: Wellness Night April 1-3: Early Learning Roundup April 7-11: Spring Break/No School April 14: Board Meeting April 28: Board Meeting May 2: Jazz Cafe Annual Dinner/Auction May 3: Art Walk & Music Performances May 21: Celebration of Student Learning APRIL RECOGNITION CALENDAR: April 2: Paraprofessional Appreciation Day April 4: National School Librarian Day April 7-11: National Assistant Principals Week April 20: Easter April 21-25: National Public School Volunteer Week April 22: Earth Day April 22: National School Bus Drivers Day April 23: Administrative Professionals Day April 25: Arbor Day Highlights National Board Certified Teachers At Cle Elum-Roslyn School District, we are proud to recognize the dedication and expertise of our National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs). Achieving National Board Certification is one of the highest honors in the teaching profession, demonstrating a commitment to excellence, lifelong learning, and student success. We are thrilled to celebrate our dedicated educators who have successfully achieved or maintained their National Board Certification: Sonia Cross – Recertified NBCT, Cle Elum-Roslyn Elementary School Charlene Harper – Our newest NBCT, Cle Elum-Roslyn High School (Certified in English Language Arts - Adolescence and Young Adulthood) Kamille Baker – Certified in 2009 as a Middle Childhood Generalist Kristen Anderson – Certified in 2010 in Early and Middle Childhood Literacy Click here to read more about our amazing NBCTs and what this means for our students, teachers, and schools! Leading the Way: CERSD Showcases MTSS for SEL at ESD 105 This month, our District proudly celebrated a moment of recognition and leadership. Allie Madsen, our Behavior Specialist, and Carrieanne Selzler, Executive Director of Student Services, were invited to present at ESD 105 to a cohort of regional Special Education Directors. Their presentation showcased the development of our Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) for Social Emotional Learning (SEL), serving students from Transitional Kindergarten through 8th grade. This opportunity was especially meaningful following a visit in January by the Regional Special Education Director from ESD 105, who came to observe our SEL programming firsthand and review early outcome data. The positive impact of our work left a lasting impression, leading to this invitation to share our model with other district leaders. We are also proud to be one of only a few districts in Washington state choosing to allocate 15% of our federal special education grant funds toward early intervention services. This intentional investment reflects our commitment to keeping students in general education settings and reducing unnecessary referrals to special education—a proactive approach now gaining attention statewide. WSMS Prevention Club The Middle School Prevention Club recently put on a lunch activity called—Drug & Alcohol Myths and Facts! We love seeing students getting involved and showing their commitment to making positive choices. Keep up the great work Wildcats! Click here to see more pictures. We'd also like to give a shoutout to our awesome custodian, Jordan, for the best photobomb! Our amazing staff help make our schools an even better place! CERHS Career & Technical Education (CTE) Hands-On Learning in Action! Our Building Construction students at Cle Elum-Roslyn High School have been hard at work on a real-world project—constructing shed roofs to protect outdoor utilities! The band building tends to collect some big icicles in the winter, and our Facilities Director, Mark Soderstrom, asked our Career & Technical Education (CTE) Instructor, Mr. Blazina, if this could be a student-led project. Click here to read more, or visit our District Facebook page to see more pictures! Improving Instruction Our administrative team is collaborating with the University of Washington’s Center for Educational Leadership to enhance teacher feedback and improve instructional practices. Announcements District Approved Calendars The Cle Elum-Roslyn School District has officially approved the academic calendars for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years! We want to extend our sincere gratitude to the Calendar Committee, as well as the families and staff who provided valuable feedback throughout the process. Your input helped shape calendars that best support our students, staff, and community. Thank you for being part of this important work! The approved calendars are now available on our district website. Boys & Girls Club: Spring Break Camp When: Monday, April 7 – Friday, April 11, 2025 Times: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM Cost: $25 per day per member (Scholarships Available) Registration is now open for new & current members! Visit BNGClub.org (Parent Portal) or call (509) 764-9694. Join us for a week of fun activities & art projects, STEM programs & experiments, cooking classes, indoor & outdoor games and more! Don’t miss out on a week of fun and learning! Wellness Night: Online Safety and Security Please join us Monday, March 31st for a very important Wellness Night presentation in collaboration with the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office. Corporal Matt Martin will be presenting to us about Online Safety and Security. Corporal Martin has been with the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office for 20 years, and is currently assigned to the Major Crimes Unit. Corporal Martin says "letting the digital footprints lead us to the suspects and reveal what was hidden or unknown is [both] challenging and rewarding." CERSD Wellness Nights include free dinner starting at 5pm with the presentation between 5:30pm-6:30pm. This event is open to parents, families and the community. Free childcare will be available for children ages 4 years and older for those who are interested. For a better estimate on the amount of dinner to bring, please register to let us know you are coming by scanning the QR code or by clicking the following link: https://forms.gle/QVUGngTh2TeACMne8 For more information on our Wellness Night series, please contact Jessica Cranefield with the Cascade Prevention Coalition at jessica.cranefield@esd105.org. Thank you and we hope to see you all on March 31st in the Middle School Commons from 5:00pm-6:30pm. We Are Hiring! Are you passionate about teaching and looking for a stable job for the 25-26 school year? We have multiple teaching opportunities open right now! Currently we have open: Secondary Special Education Teacher (Grades 6-12) High School Special Education Teacher Developmental Preschool & ECAP Teacher 7-12 Spanish Teacher 0.6 FTE 7-12 ASL Teacher 0.4 FTE MS Assistant Track & Field Coach Depending on the position, we offer: Full benefits: Medical, vision, dental Retirement plan Paid time off: Sick and Personal Leave This is your chance to create a safe, welcoming environment where students can thrive. Join our team and make a a difference in the lives of students! Know someone who would be a great fit? Share this post! Questions? Contact Sara Sahlinger at sahlingersa@cersd.org. Apply Here: https://cersd.schoolspring.com/ Don’t miss this opportunity to join an amazing team and inspire the next generation! Upcoming Board Meeting When: Monday, April 14th Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm Where: Walter Strom Middle School Library Topic of Discussion: work session Reminders Community Support C.O.A.L. Weekend Food Support If you would like to participate in the weekend nutrition program, please click this link to fill out the google form. For any questions, please contact our C.O.A.L. Weekend Food Coordinator, Margo McLeod, at mcleodm@cersd.org. Community Care Closet The care closet is open to all community members in need. Please Call, Email or message on Parent Square to let us know what your student/family needs and we can arrange for items (aside from cleaning supplies) to be sent home with students. For any questions or interest in donating, please contact: Amy Dorhman, dorhmana@cersd.org, or Margo McLeod, mcleodm@cersd.org. Helpful Links & How To's How to access my family Skyward Account How to access the Online Store How to find Bus Routes Inclement Weather FAQ Health & Safety Topics FAQ for Immigrant Families Cle Elum-Roslyn School District 4244 Bullfrog Road Cle Elum, WA 98922 (509) 852 - 4819 District Links: CERSD Website School Board Webpage District Calendar
Thursday, Mar 27 2025
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District Newsletter - March 12th, 2025
IN THIS NEWSLETTER: Highlights: Superintendent Message Thank You Basecamp Outfitters! Firearm Injury Prevention Presentation Food Services: New Recipes Coming! Warrior Girls Basketball Highlight Announcements: Early Release Schedule Bus Route Update We Are Hiring! NHS Book Drive Upcoming Board Meeting Reminders: Community Support Helpful Links & How To's IMPORTANT DATES: Mar. 10-14: Education Support Professionals Week Mar. 14: Early Release - All Schools Mar. 17: St. Patrick's Day Mar. 24: Board Meeting April 1-3: Early Learning Roundup April 7-11: Spring Break/No School April 14: Board Meeting April 20: Easter April 22: Earth Day May 2: Jazz Cafe Annual Dinner/Auction May 21: Celebration of Student Learning Dear Cle Elum-Roslyn School Community, Join me this week, as we proudly recognize and celebrate our Education Support Professionals—the dedicated individuals who keep our schools running smoothly and create a safe, welcoming environment for all. To our transportation staff, who ensure students arrive safely to and from school each day; our food service teams, who provide nutritious meals that fuel learning; our custodians and maintenance staff, who work tirelessly to keep our buildings clean, safe, and operational; our nurses who help keep us all healthy; our administrative assistants and tech team, who keep everything organized and running efficiently behind the scenes; and our paraprofessionals, who provide invaluable support to our students and teachers—thank you. Your dedication, hard work, and care make a lasting difference in the lives of our students, families, and colleagues. We appreciate all that you do to support our schools and community! With gratitude, John Belcher "JB" Superintendent Highlights Thank You Basecamp Outfitters! We are incredibly grateful to the owners of Basecamp Outfitters for their amazing generosity in donating their entire rental fleet of cross-country ski equipment to Cle Elum-Roslyn Elementary! Some skis were still in plastic, and many boots and poles had never been used—what an incredible gift for our students! This donation will make a lasting impact, helping to keep our kids active, healthy, and excited to be at school. Thank you, Basecamp, for your kindness and support! Click here to see more photos of our students skiing! Firearm Injury Prevention Presentation at CERHS and Swiftwater Recently, Dr. Gregory Engel visited Cle Elum-Roslyn High School and Swiftwater to present on Firearm Injury Prevention. For the past seven years, Firearm Injury Prevention Educators have provided non-political, fact-based education to nearly 10,000 students in over two dozen Washington high schools. Their program approaches firearm injury as a public health issue, equipping students with practical safety strategies and essential health education. We appreciate Dr. Engel’s time and dedication to providing students with valuable knowledge that promotes safety and well-being in our community! Food Services: New Recipes Coming! Our Food Services team has been busy in the kitchen, whipping up SIX brand new made-from-scratch recipes this month! First up: Sweet Thai Chicken Pasta! Stay tuned for more delicious fresh new flavors coming your way! Huge thanks to our incredible Food Services crew for always keeping things fresh and exciting in the cafeteria. Warrior Girls Basketball Highlight Last week, our Warrior Girls Basketball team competed at State in the Spokane Arena! The community gave them an incredible send-off, and we want to thank everyone who showed their support. We are so proud of our athletes for their hard work, determination, and dedication this season. Way to go, Warriors! Announcements Early Release for All Schools - March 14th All schools will be on a Half Day Early Release schedule on Friday, March 14th. Buses will be running on an early release schedule as well. If you have any questions, please call your school's main office. Half Day Release Times: Elementary School @ 12:25 PM Middle & High School @ 12:30 PM Bus Route Update On Monday, March 10th, the City of Cle Elum closed Stafford Ave from 2nd Street up to 5th street for construction that will continue through May. All students at the 3rd & Stafford Bus stop will now be picked up or dropped off at 3rd and Billings. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please call our Transportation Director, Rosa Overton, with any questions: 509-852-4832 We Are Hiring Are you passionate about teaching and looking for a stable job for the 25-26 school year? We have multiple teaching opportunities open right now! Currently we have open: Secondary Special Education Teacher (Grades 6-12) High School Special Education Teacher Developmental Preschool & ECAP Teacher 7-12 Spanish Teacher 0.6 FTE 7-12 ASL Teacher 0.4 FTE MS Assistant Track & Field Coach HS Assistant Track & Field Coach Depending on the position, we offer: ✅ Full benefits: Medical, vision, dental ✅ Retirement plan ✅ Paid time off: Sick and Personal Leave This is your chance to create a safe, welcoming environment where students can thrive. Join our team and make a a difference in the lives of students! Know someone who would be a great fit? Share this post! Questions? Contact Sara Sahlinger at sahlingersa@cersd.org. Apply Here: https://cersd.schoolspring.com/ Don’t miss this opportunity to join an amazing team and inspire the next generation! National Honor Society Book Drive Got children's books? Donate your old books to the National Honor Society Book Drive. We will be accepting book donations in any school office until Thursday, March 20th. Books donated will be given to elementary students to enjoy over Spring Break! Upcoming Board Meeting When: Monday, March 24th Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm Where: Walter Strom Middle School Library Topic of Discussion: Business Meeting Reminders Community Support C.O.A.L. Weekend Food Support If you would like to participate in the weekend nutrition program, please click this link to fill out the google form. For any questions, please contact our C.O.A.L. Weekend Food Coordinator, Margo McLeod, at mcleodm@cersd.org. Community Care Closet The care closet is open to all community members in need. Please Call, Email or message on Parent Square to let us know what your student/family needs and we can arrange for items (aside from cleaning supplies) to be sent home with students. For any questions or interest in donating, please contact: Amy Dorhman, dorhmana@cersd.org, or Margo McLeod, mcleodm@cersd.org. Helpful Links & How To's How to access my family Skyward Account How to access the Online Store How to find Bus Routes Inclement Weather FAQ Health & Safety Topics FAQ for Immigrant Families Cle Elum-Roslyn School District 4244 Bullfrog Road Cle Elum, WA 98922 (509) 852 - 4819 District Links: CERSD Website School Board Webpage District Calendar
Thursday, Mar 13 2025
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Road Closure
Road Closure- Bus Stop Change Families of Cle Elum-Roslyn School District, The City of Cle Elum will be closing Stafford Ave from 2nd Street up to 5th street for construction. Construction will have this closed through May. All students at the 3rd & Stafford Bus stop will now be picked up or dropped off at 3rd and Billings, beginning today 3/10/2025. We were just notified today and sorry for any inconvenience, please call Rosa Overton with any questions. # 509-852-4832
Monday, Mar 10 2025
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District Newsletter: February 26, 2025
IN THIS NEWSLETTER: Highlights: School Board Awards New HS Principal Announced! Warrior Wrestling at State Superintendent Message Announcements: Early Learning Roundup SmartTag Facts & Prize Opportunity Medications at School Nurse News: Free Childhood Vaccines Illness Protocol Reminder Pac Rat Youth Cycling Club Info Night Upcoming Board Meeting Reminders: Community Support Helpful Links & How To's IMPORTANT DATES: Feb. 28: Missoula Children's Theatre Performance, 5:30PM Mar. 3-7: Read Across America/Spring Book Fair Mar. 10: Board Meeting Mar. 11-13: Early Release @ 12:25/Conferences Mar. 13: Evening Conferences 4-6pm Mar. 14: Early Release - all schools Mar. 24: Board Meeting April 1-3: Early Learning Roundup May 2: Jazz Cafe Annual Dinner/Auction Highlights School Board Awards The Cle Elum-Roslyn School District is proud to recognize three outstanding students who have been nominated for School Board Awards for their dedication, hard work, and personal growth. This month’s honorees are Octavia Orndorff (1st grade, Cle Elum-Roslyn Elementary School), Owen Elmendorf (10th grade, Cle Elum-Roslyn High School), and Kennedy Fullmer (11th grade, Cle Elum-Roslyn High School). Read more about their great achievement in our District news article! New High School Principal Announced! Cle Elum-Roslyn School District is excited to welcome Scott Brown as the new Principal of Cle Elum-Roslyn High School! Click here to learn more about our new Principal, and visit our Facebook page to join us in welcoming him to our community with a comment! Warrior Wrestling at State Thank you to our school community, local first responders, cheerleaders and band members for always making our state send offs a memorable experience! Our Warrior wrestlers did a great job competing at the Tacoma Dome last weekend, with some of our students making it on the podium! Way to go Warriors! Superintendent Message Navigating Federal Executive Orders & Maintaining Our Commitment to WA State Laws Dear Cle Elum-Roslyn School Community; As we navigate the complexities of public education in Washington state, we recognize the challenges posed by recent federal executive orders that do not align with our state laws, constitution, and local school board policies. These directives also stand in direct contradiction to established federal non-discrimination laws and policies, making navigating these orders more than challenging. State Superintendent Chris Reykdal has made it clear that a recent federal "Dear Colleague Letter" does not carry the force of law, stating: "I’ve advised Washington’s school districts that they should not make changes to their existing policies, practices, and programming in accordance with this letter." At this time, there are legal injunctions in place, and a 90-day implementation window has been established for the federal executive order. As we await further guidance from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the state, we will continue to operate under our district’s policies and state guidelines, ensuring that our schools remain in full compliance with Washington law. We appreciate your patience as we try to navigate these orders and legal challenges ahead. We will provide updates as we receive further direction from state leadership. If you have any questions for me please reach out. All my best and be well, John Belcher "JB" Superintendent Announcements Early Learning Roundup Mark Your Calendars! We’re excited to host our annual Early Learning Round Up! This invaluable event offers families insights into their child’s development and showcases the free early learning services available through the Cle Elum Roslyn School District. When: April 1-3, 2025 Where: CERSD 4244 Bullfrog Rd., Cle Elum How to Register: Watch for our posts in Mid-March for appointment scheduling. For more information, please visit our webpage. Start your child’s journey toward lifelong learning and success! We look forward to seeing you at the Early Learning Round Up! SmartTag Facts & Prize Opportunity Smart Tags are to be kept year after year. Please do not discard them at the end of the year. Cost: the cost for a new Smart Tag is about $5, at current prices. Damaged Tags: be sure your child is not damaging their Tag on purpose. Prize Opportunity! Student will get a prize at the end of the year for still having their original card. Activity Trips: we will be using Smart Tag on all activity trips when we get that module. If your student does not ride the bus to and from school, yet is in athletics or takes a field trip, they will need their card. Identification Help: Smart Tag helps substitutes identify students to make sure they know who is on the bus. Correct Bus: Smart Tag has helped us improve getting students to the correct bus, and in turn help buses leave on time in the afternoon. Parent App: we updated from the Parent Portal to the Parent app! If you are not seeing your alerts this may be the reason, check it out! Bus Activity Log: we can pull up the bus activity of your student and see when they did not use their tag back as far as the beginning of use. Number of Cards: we can tell you how many cards that have been created for your student. Every student in the district has been printed at least 1 card, some many more. Questions? Please call or email Rosa at overtonr@cersd.org, or call at 509-852-4832. Medications at School Reminder Friendly Reminder: Per Washington State law, all medications at school MUST have a completed health care provider's order along with parent authorization. This includes medications such as tylenol, ibuprofen and cough drops. Please do not send ANY medication to school without prior medication authorization. This includes both medications in the nurse office and self-carry medications. Medication authorization forms may be found on our health services website. For more questions or help getting a medication authorization form completed for school, please reach out to your building nurse. Thank you for helping keep our students safe at school. Medication Forms found here: https://www.cersd.org/page/health-services Appreciatively, District Nurses nursesd@cersd.org Kittitas County Public Health Department to Provide Childhood Vaccine Clinics The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) will be providing childhood vaccine clinics onsite at: 507 N Nanum Street in Ellensburg. Childhood vaccines are available for anyone from the age of 6 months through 18 years old (until their 19th birthday). There is no cost for the vaccines or the appointment. Please call 509-962-7515 for any questions, or to schedule an appointment. KCPHD has access to all childhood vaccines but is limited to current stock at the department. Please call the front desk to ask about availability. Appointments for anyone under 18 require a parent or guardian to be present. Current clinic appointments are available for the following dates: March 3, 2025 8am to 12pm March 10, 2025 8 am to 12pm March 18, 2025 8am to 12pm March 31, 2025 8am to 12pm For information about childhood vaccinations, please visit Childhood Immunizations. Please see the flyer attached to this newsletter for more information. Illness Protocol Reminder Cold and flu season are upon us. With the increase in illness in our community, we wanted to send a reminder about illness protocols for school. It is important that we are doing what we can to help keep ourselves and each other healthy and in school. Please remind your students to cover their coughs and sneezes, practice good hand hygiene, and not to share food or drinks to avoid spreading germs. We also ask that when your student is too sick for school, that you keep them home to prevent other students getting sick as well. Visit the Health Department webpage for a helpful guide to determine when to stay home from school for common illnesses. Students will continue to go out to recess and other outdoor activities (weather permitting) unless they have a note from a doctor regarding a legitimate need to stay indoors and/or avoid physical activity. For more information on health related concerns, please feel free to contact your school nurse. Thank you for helping us keep everyone healthy and safe. Appreciatively, District Nurses nursesd@cersd.org Pac Rat Youth Cycling Club Info Night! Attention Cle Elum-Roslyn students! Come learn about youth mountain biking in Kittitas County! When: March 9, 2025 Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Where: Dru Dru, Cle Elum For more information, email info@pacratscycling.org Upcoming Board Meeting When: Monday, March 10th Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm Where: Walter Strom Middle School Library Topic of Discussion: work session Reminders Community Support C.O.A.L. Weekend Food Support If you would like to participate in the weekend nutrition program, please click this link to fill out the google form. For any questions, please contact our C.O.A.L. Weekend Food Coordinator, Margo McLeod, at mcleodm@cersd.org. Community Care Closet The care closet is open to all community members in need. Please Call, Email or message on Parent Square to let us know what your student/family needs and we can arrange for items (aside from cleaning supplies) to be sent home with students. For any questions or interest in donating, please contact: Amy Dorhman, dorhmana@cersd.org, or Margo McLeod, mcleodm@cersd.org. Helpful Links & How To's How to access my family Skyward Account How to access the Online Store How to find Bus Routes Inclement Weather FAQ Health & Safety Topics FAQ for Immigrant Families Cle Elum-Roslyn School District 4244 Bullfrog Road Cle Elum, WA 98922 (509) 852 - 4819 District Links: CERSD Website School Board Webpage District Calendar
Friday, Feb 28 2025
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CERSD Newsletter: February 12, 2025
IN THIS NEWSLETTER: Highlights: Food Services Shoutout! SRO Appreciation Day Announcements: Message From The Superintendent: Heartfelt Gratitude for Your Levy Support! CERSD Wellness Night FAQ's for Immigrant Families Upcoming Board Meeting Reminders: Community Support Helpful Links & How To's IMPORTANT DATES: Feb. 14: Happy Valentine's Day Feb. 15: SRO Appreciation Day Feb. 15-22: National FFA Week Feb. 17: President’s Day/No School Feb. 17: Random Acts of Kindness Day Feb. 20: CERSD Wellness Night Feb. 24: Board Meeting, 6PM Feb. 24-28: Missoula Children's Theatre May 2: Jazz Cafe Annual Dinner/Auction Highlights Food Services Shoutout! We'd like to take a moment and give a big shout out and thank you to our dedicated Food Services staff for providing nutritious and delicious meals to our students every day! Today, our Food Services staff hosted a display cooking event at the High School, showcasing their skills and giving students a fresh, made-to-order meal experience. We are also excited to share that the new High School food bar is now open, featuring a rotating selection of Asian cuisine, pasta, and nacho days, bringing more variety and fresh options to their lunch experience. We appreciate all of our Food Services team for their hard work and commitment to keeping our students well-fed and ready to learn! Click here to see more photos of our amazing staff in action! School Resource Officer Appreciation February 15th is National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day. Join us in thanking our awesome School Resource Officer (SRO), Jennifer Margheim, for all that she does for our students and schools! Click here to leave a message of appreciation! Announcements Message From The Superintendent: Heartfelt Gratitude for Your Levy Support! Dear Cle Elum-Roslyn School Community, On behalf of the entire District team, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your support in passing the Capital Projects Levy with a 59.83% passage rate (final validation is Friday, February 21st, 2025 but looks promising!). Your support reflects our community’s dedication to meeting the needs of our students, and we are deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in us. With your support, we are excited to move forward with the projects we announced, which will make a lasting impact on our students’ learning environments. Your commitment ensures that we can continue to provide the best opportunities for their success. Together, we are building a stronger, brighter future for our students, and we look forward to sharing updates as we bring these exciting projects to life. Thank you again for your continued support! Be well, John Belcher (“JB”) Superintendent of Schools CERSD Wellness Night Join us Thursday, February 20th as we continue our CERSD Wellness Night series! This month’s presentation will be on Childhood Dental Health with Ellensburg Dental Care on Thursday, February 20th, 5pm to 6:30 pm. CERSD Wellness Nights will include a free dinner starting at 5pm with the presentation from 5:30-6:30pm and are open to parents, families, and the community. For presentations that may not be suitable for younger audiences, free childcare will be provided for children ages 4 years and older. Please register to let us know you are coming by scanning the QR code, or at the link below. https://forms.gle/QVUGngTh2TeACMne8 For more information, please contact Jessica Cranefield with the Cascade Prevention Coalition at Jessica.Cranefield@esd105.org. FAQ's for Immigrant Families We want to ensure that all our families have access to important resources. A document dedicated to FAQ's for Immigrant Families is now available on our website, and attached to this newsletter, providing helpful information and support. Upcoming Board Meeting When: Monday, February 24 Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm Where: Walter Strom Middle School Library Topic of Discussion: Business Meeting Reminders Community Support C.O.A.L. Weekend Food Support If you would like to participate in the weekend nutrition program, please click this link to fill out the google form. For any questions, please contact our C.O.A.L. Weekend Food Coordinator, Margo McLeod, at mcleodm@cersd.org. Community Care Closet The care closet is open to all community members in need. Please Call, Email or message on Parent Square to let us know what your student/family needs and we can arrange for items (aside from cleaning supplies) to be sent home with students. For any questions or interest in donating, please contact: Amy Dorhman, dorhmana@cersd.org, or Margo McLeod, mcleodm@cersd.org. Helpful Links & How To's How to access my family Skyward Account How to access the Online Store How to find Bus Routes Inclement Weather FAQ Health & Safety Topics FAQ for Immigrant Families Cle Elum-Roslyn School District 4244 Bullfrog Road Cle Elum, WA 98922 (509) 852 - 4819 District Links: CERSD Website School Board Webpage District Calendar
Thursday, Feb 13 2025
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CERSD Newsletter: February 5th, 2025
IN THIS NEWSLETTER: Highlights: School Counselor Appreciation High School Prevention Club Advocates for House Bill 1203 Announcements: High School Principal Finalists Meet & Greet School Meal Balance Check Health Services Reminder Upcoming Board Meeting IMPORTANT DATES: Feb. 10: HS Principal Finalist Meet & Greet Feb. 10: Board Meeting, 6PM Feb. 11: Remember to Vote! Feb. 14: Valentine's Day Feb. 17: No School / President’s Day Feb. 24: Board Meeting, 6PM Feb. 24-28: Missoula Children's Theatre May 2: Jazz Cafe Annual Dinner/Auction Highlights School Counselor Appreciation February 3-7 is National School Counseling Appreciation Week. Join us in thanking our incredible school counselors for all that they do for our students and schools! Leave a message of appreciation by clicking this link. CERHS Prevention Club Advocates for House Bill 1203 On Friday, January 31st, the CERSD High School Prevention Club actively participated in the legislative process by providing testimony in support of House Bill 1203, which seeks to ban the sale of flavored tobacco and nicotine products in Washington State. The club collectively compiled personal stories, concerns, and data to craft a compelling speech advocating for the bill. Given the one-minute time limit for testimony, club member Krystal Forslin was selected as the spokesperson and delivered the testimony via Zoom. In a show of solidarity, the rest of the Prevention Club stood behind her as she addressed the legislature. Looking ahead, the CERSD Prevention Club will next testify in support of Senate Bill 5183, which also focuses on banning flavored tobacco and nicotine products. The Prevention Club is made up of dedicated students committed to advocating for public health: James Humes, Krystal Forslin, Charlotte Burke, Evelyn Hein, Brooklyn Riste, Ethan Bainter, Triton Belieu, Kadince Matteson, and Samantha Newton. They are guided by passionate advisors who support their efforts: Rachel Henderson (School Nurse), Jessica Cranefield (Community Prevention), and Amber Church (SAP). Beyond advocating for public health, these students are gaining valuable experience in civic engagement. They are learning firsthand how the legislative process works, how bills are passed or denied, and how to participate in government through testimony and debate. CERSD fully supports the Prevention Club’s efforts and remains committed to the health and well-being of its students—both now and for future generations. By endorsing initiatives like House Bill 1203, the district underscores its dedication to creating a healthier environment for students—free from the harmful influence of flavored tobacco and nicotine products. Brynn Brady, representing the American Heart Association and local public health, emphasized the significance of student advocacy in this effort, stating: "Led by Tobacco-Free Kids, we are fortunate to have such engaged students from Cle Elum-Roslyn High School who are providing their real-life pressures and experiences with the youth vaping and nicotine use epidemic. Banning flavors in these products will make a difference, deterring interest in fun flavors, gaming, and other techniques the tobacco industry uses to attract another generation of nicotine addiction." Research shows that flavored tobacco products are particularly appealing to youth, increasing the risk of nicotine addiction and long-term health complications. CERSD recognizes the importance of preventative action and is proud to support student-led advocacy that prioritizes public health. Through education, prevention programs, and policy advocacy, CERSD is not only working to protect students today but is also investing in a healthier future for generations to come. Announcements High School Principal Finalists Meet & Greet You're Invited! Join us for a Meet & Greet with the High School Principal Finalists When: Monday, February 10th Where: Middle School Commons Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM Community/Parent Forum Opportunities with each candidate: Scott Brown: 4:00 - 4:45 PM Tatia Holme: 4:45 - 5:30 PM Parents and community members are invited to meet the two finalists for the High School Principal position. This is a valuable opportunity to hear directly from each candidate about their educational background, experience, and the skills they bring to our school community. Attendees will also have the chance to ask questions and provide feedback, which will be shared with the final selection committee as they make their decision. Meet the Candidates: Tatia Holme – Current Secondary Principal (Grades 6-12) in Elma, WA. Previous experience includes: Assistant Principal, Bonney Lake High School Director of Student Services and English Learning, Bonney Lake School District Assistant Principal, Mountain View Middle School Summer Principal, Bonney Lake Scott Brown – Current Assistant Principal Cashmere High School. Previous experience includes: Athletic Director at Cashmere High School Principal, Almira-Coulee High School Science Teacher and Coach Your input is important—we hope to see you there! School Meal Balance Dear Parents/Guardians, This is a friendly reminder to check and settle your child's school meal balance. Keeping accounts current helps us continue providing quality food for all. You can make a payment on-line or contact the school for assistance. Email stoneh@cersd.org or 509-649-4766. If your family is experiencing financial hardship, you may be eligible for our School Meal Scholarship. To apply the link is on the district's website. Thank you for your attention to this matter! Best regards, Hollie Stone Food Service Director Health Services Reminder Cold and flu season are upon us. With the increase in illness in our community, we wanted to send a reminder about illness protocols for school. It is important that we are doing what we can to help keep ourselves and each other healthy and in school. Please remind your students to cover their coughs and sneezes, practice good hand hygiene, and not to share food or drinks to avoid spreading germs. We also ask that when your student is too sick for school, that you keep them home to prevent other students getting sick as well. Here is a helpful guide you can use to determine when to stay home from school for common illnesses. Influenza (flu): Virus may cause body aches, fever, cough, congestion, sore throat and/or other symptoms. Students may return when they are 24 hours fever free without the use of medication and feeling well enough to participate. COVID-19: Virus may cause body aches, fever, cough, congestion, sore throat and/or other symptoms. Students may return when they are 24 hours fever free without the use of medication and feeling well enough to participate. Strep Throat: Bacterial infection may cause sore throat, redness, may have white patches and/or a fever. Students may return to school 24 hours after the start of antibiotics, 24 hours fever free without the use of medication and feeling well enough to participate. Hand, Foot & Mouth (HFM): Virus may cause fever, fatigue, sore throat, and sores on hands, feet and mouth. Students may return when they are 24 hours fever free without the use of medication and feeling well enough to participate. Stomach related illness: Many different bacterias and viruses may cause different symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Students may return when they are 24 hours fever free without the use of medication, 24 hours vomit/diarrhea free and feeling well enough to participate. Just as a reminder, students will continue to go out to recess and other outdoor activities (weather permitting) unless they have a note from a doctor regarding a legitimate need to stay indoors and/or avoid physical activity. For more information on health related concerns, please feel free to contact your school nurse. Thank you for helping us keep everyone healthy and safe. Appreciatively, CERSD District Nurses Anitramarina Berk, RN (CERES/WSMS) Phone: (509) 852-4938 Rachel Henderson, RN (CERHS/Swiftwater) Phone: (509) 852-4880 Upcoming Board Meeting When: Monday, February 10th Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm Where: Walter Strom Middle School Library Topic of Discussion: work study Important Reminders 2025 Renewal Capital Projects Levy CERSD's renewal levy is on the ballot February 11th. Learn more about this funding measure at cersd.org/caplevy2025 Community Care Closet The care closet is open to all community members in need. No questions asked. Located in the student lounge at Walter Strom Middle School. Please Call, Email or message on Parent Square to arrange a time to visit the care closet. Let us know what your student/family needs and we can arrange for items (aside from cleaning supplies) to be sent home with students. Students can come “shop” for needed items with a staff member. Amy Dorhman - Middle School Counselor; 509-852-4901; dorhmana@cersd.org Margo McLeod - Elementary School Counselor; 509-852-4935; mcleodm@cersd.org Want to support our pantry? We are accepting donations of new or gently used items, or you can contact us to find out what items are most needed. Items can be dropped off in the middle school office. C.O.A.L. Weekend Food Support If you would like to participate in the weekend nutrition program, please click this link to fill out the google form. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our C.O.A.L. Weekend Food Coordinator, Margo McLeod, at mcleodm@cersd.org. Helpful Links & How To's How to access my family Skyward Account How to access the Online Store How to find Bus Routes Inclement Weather FAQ Cle Elum-Roslyn School District 4244 Bullfrog Road Cle Elum, WA 98922 (509) 852 - 4819 Quick Links: CERSD Website Inclement Weather FAQ Health & Safety Topics School Board Webpage District Calendar
Thursday, Feb 06 2025
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Meet & Greet with the High School Principal Finalist...
Dear Cle Elum-Roslyn School Community, You're Invited! Join us for a Meet & Greet with the High School Principal Finalists! When: Monday, February 10th Where: Middle School Commons Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM Parents and community members are invited to meet the two finalists for the High School Principal position. This is a valuable opportunity to hear directly from each candidate about their educational background, experience, and the skills they bring to our school community. Attendees will also have the chance to ask questions and provide feedback, which will be shared with the final selection committee as they make their decision. Meet the Candidates: Tatia Holme – Current Secondary Principal (Grades 6-12) in Elma, WA. Previous experience includes: Assistant Principal, Bonney Lake High School Director of Student Services and English Learning, Bonney Lake School District Assistant Principal, Mountain View Middle School Summer Principal, Bonney Lake Scott Brown – Current Assistant Principal Cashmere High School. Previous experience includes: Athletic Director at Cashmere High School Principal, Almira-Coulee High School Science Teacher and Coach Community/Parent Forum Opportunities with each candidate: Scott Brown: 4:00 - 4:45 PM Tatia Holme: 4:45 - 5:30 PM Your input is important—we hope to see you there! - Cle Elum-Roslyn School District Cle Elum-Roslyn School District 4244 Bullfrog Road Cle Elum, WA 98922 (509) 852 - 4819 Quick Links: CERSD Website School Board Webpage District Calendar
Thursday, Feb 06 2025